They are super nice and easy to install, makes for simple and quick depower line replacement when the time comes, and you get to play the adjustment of where you want it on the line before you do the final trim and knot. A few brands are using it now. They are cheap and you end up with a much much cleaner looking system. So nice not to have all that stuff right in front of your face!

I find the webbing straps eventually start to slip when they get worn a bit and its always exactly when you dont want it..... ie powered up on a small kite and its gusty. They tend to slip when the lines go slack for a moment and then tension up hard in a big gust. Soooooo anoying and fairly unsafe.

I agree. Strap systems have many disadvantages. Once I switched to an above-the-bar cleating system, I swore-off all the others.

Switch Kites makes a neat, compact, and universal cleat called the Regulator. Works great and it's sells for just $5.50. A simple piece of cast aluminum. Order it with a new "Chicken Loop Line" and you'll have a perfect fit!

2.Double self-tightening. Notice that the rope passes back down the same way as it enters, and both lengths of rope pass over the top of the D-ring. This gives it twice the strength at it's weakest point compared to a simple overhand knot

cowboy wrote:not exactly a bowline
similar knots used on Best bars for years
1. Single line self-tightening
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2.Double self-tightening. Notice that the rope passes back down the same way as it enters, and both lengths of rope pass over the top of the D-ring. This gives it twice the strength at it's weakest point compared to a simple overhand knot
.....

your first one IS bowline knot and it is not tightening the loop, thats the whole point of this knot.
second one is how i tie my ties